Maximum tensile and compressive bending stresses in a beam

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum tensile and compressive bending stresses in a beam, as well as drawing shear force and bending moment diagrams. Participants are addressing a homework problem that involves understanding the application of bending stress formulas and the moment of inertia for a T-section beam.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the bending stress formula as σ = Mc/I, where I is the moment of inertia, c is the distance from the neutral axis, and M is the bending moment.
  • Another participant questions how to determine the maximum tensile and compressive bending stresses, indicating uncertainty about the application of the formula.
  • A participant provides calculated moment of inertias and suggests using the bending stress formula with specific values for y to find maximum stresses.
  • Some participants challenge the correctness of the moment of inertia calculations and emphasize the need to use only Ix for bending stress calculations.
  • There are corrections regarding the use of units and the signs in the bending stress formula, with participants pointing out the importance of consistency in units (N, mm, MPa).
  • Discussions include the need to correctly identify distances from the neutral axis for tensile and compressive stresses, with some participants providing specific values.
  • Participants express differing views on the necessity of calculating Iy and the correct approach to determining maximum moments.
  • There are reminders about proper formatting and conventions in mathematical expressions, such as using asterisks for multiplication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the calculations of moment of inertia and the application of the bending stress formula, with multiple competing views and corrections presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations and assumptions regarding the moment of inertia and the distances from the neutral axis remain unresolved, leading to uncertainty in the final stress calculations. The discussion also highlights the importance of unit consistency and mathematical conventions.

dvep
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Homework Statement



Draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam shown in Fig. 1 below. Determine the maximum tensile and compressive bending stresses and the positions at which they occur. The beam’s cross-sectional area is shown in Fig. 2.

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee382/jon_jon_19/q2.jpg

Homework Equations



Bending Stress = Mc/I

Where I is inertia, c is distance from neutral axis, M is the bending moment

The Attempt at a Solution



I have drawn the shear and bending moment forces and worked out the moment of inertia in the T-section. But I am unsure how I work out the maximum tensile and compressive bending stresses.
How do I apply this.

Thanks.
 
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dvep said:
I have drawn the shear and bending moment forces and worked out the moment of inertia in the T-section. But I am unsure how I work out the maximum tensile and compressive bending stresses.
How do I apply this.

Thanks.
On the assumption that you have correctly calculated the maximum moment and moment of inertia, max stress is My/I, where y is the distance from _____ to ______? The value of y will be different when calculating max tensile and max compressive stress.
 
dvep said:
I have attached a JPEG of the cross section where I have identified the composite parts.

I have worked the moment of inertias to be:

Ix^' = 440.333 x 10^3
Iy = 386.67 x 10^3

Itotal = Ix^' + Iy = 827.003 x 10^3
The bending stresses are about the axis that is horizontal to the cross section ( the x axis), thus you need to calculate and use Ix in your bending stress equations. You must not add up Ix and Iy. Also, your math is off, please recheck your numbers.
So for max tensile stress, would it be:

stress = (M x 42)/Itotal

For max compressive stress:

stress =(M x 18)/Itotal

Or is that completely wrong.

Would be grateful for your help, thanks.
You must of course also calculate M correctly...otherwise, you have the right approach for determining the max stresses.
 
dvep: You do not need to compute Iy, because there is no bending moment about the y axis. Your Ix value currently appears incorrect. Try again. Yes, M is the maximum moment in the bending moment diagram.
 
dvep: Your Ix value appears incorrect. Try again. Regarding the units of M, I recommend converting all units to N, mm, and MPa. Using N and mm, stresses will be N/mm^2, which is called and written MPa. Also, the bending stress formula is sigma = -M*y/Ix.
 
dvep: Nice work. You forgot to use y = 22 mm, and y = -38 mm. Try that again. Tensile stress is positive.

By the way, for long numbers having five or more digits, the international standard says you can write the digits in groups of three, separated by spaces. E.g., -15 000 000 N*mm, instead of -15000000 N*mm. See the international standard for writing units[/color] (ISO 31-0[/color]).
 
No, you forgot the negative sign in the bending stress formula, this time. Try again. Also, typically use asterisk for the multiplication symbol, instead of "x," because "x" can easily be confused with the variable x.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
nvn said:
dvep: Switch the words tensile and compressive, because tensile stress is positive. Also, in post 9, your units on M should be N*mm, not N*mm^2.


Thank you nvn, you were very helpful.
 
  • #10
dvep: By the way, it is not allowed to delete your posts, the way you did, above. They call this abuse of the Edit feature. We will hopefully let it slide this time, since you are doing such excellent work. But I just wanted to warn you, so you can stay out of trouble, next time.

You did excellent work on your homework.
 
  • #11
nvn said:
dvep: By the way, it is not allowed to delete your posts, the way you did, above. They call this abuse of the Edit feature. We will hopefully let it slide this time, since you are doing such excellent work. But I just wanted to warn you, so you can stay out of trouble, next time.

You did excellent work on your homework.

Oh, sorry I didn't know, I won't do it again.

Thank you again for you help.
 

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